Environmental Health
Frequently Requested Services
Asbestos
Car Seat Request
Mold Inspection
Radon Inspection
Water and Sewer Emergencies
Water Testing
New Well/Septic Construction
Report Environmental Hazard
Programs
About
Overall Goal: The goal of the Division of Environmental Health (DEH) is to identify and alleviate any environmental hazards that may harm the health of the Ho-Chunk Tribal Members. The Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health is a comprehensive program which works to identify environmental hazards which affect the health of tribal members and the general public served by Ho-Chunk Nation Enterprises. Programs and initiatives are directed toward assessing environmental conditions, remediating existing hazards, and preventing environmental problems.
Key Tasks: The following environmental areas are addressed by the program: Water Quality, Solid Waste Management, Wastewater Management, Food Sanitation, Vector Control, Air Pollution, Institutional Environmental Health, Code Compliance in Facilities, Community Injury Prevention, Underground Storage Tanks, Environmental Assessment, Emergency Preparedness, Surface Water Monitoring, Wetlands Delineation, and Construction Projects.
Contact
Brownfields
What is a brownfields site?
A brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. (EPA)
Examples:
• Dump site• Junk Yard or Auto Repair Shop
• Abandoned Home
• Factory or Warehouse
• Hazardous substance storage
• Hazardous spill
The Ho-Chunk Nation was awarded the Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) grant. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2020 to develop and maintain an environmental response program or known as Tribal Response Plan (TRP). The TRP focuses on program development activities related to the four elements of a TRP including: 1) Timely survey and inventory of Brownfield sites on tribal land 2) Oversight and enforcement authority or other mechanisms and resources 3) Mechanisms and resources to provide meaningful opportunities for public participation 4) Mechanisms for approval of cleanup plans and verification and certification that cleanup is complete.
More Information:
Information BrochureEPA Brownfields
Summary of Grant Funding
Tribal Brownfields and Response Programs
Public Record
Adam Meinerz
Environmental Specialist Ho-Chunk Nation Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35008 Adam.Meinerz@ho-chunk.com
Air Quality
The Ho-Chunk Nation’s Air Quality Program consists of two major parts. They are indoor air quality and ambient air quality. The indoor air quality component of the program has a goal of addressing air quality concerns within the homes of tribal members. The ambient air quality component of the program has a goal of establishing a baseline of particulate pollution data from the outdoor air near tribal communities.
Indoor Outdoor
Indoor Air Quality
The Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health conducts various indoor air quality assessments, at the request of tribal members, to address specific concerns that they may have. Tribal members can request that their residence be tested for high levels of radon gas. The residence can be tested for high radon levels by Environmental Health staff making two trips to the location. Once the radon gas level is determined, the Division of Environmental Health will provide recommendations on whether any action should be taken. It is important to note that the Division of Environmental Health does not provide funding for the installation of radon mitigation equipment. Tribal members may also request a mold investigation of their residence, if they have seen the appearance of any coloring that they believe could be mold growth. Environmental Health staff will visually inspect the concern and determine whether it is mold, as well as provide recommendations on how to clean and prevent future mold growth. It is important to note that the Division of Environmental Health does not provide funding for any mold-related construction alterations or clean-up measures.
More Information:
Ho-Chunk Nation Radon PamphletAmbient (Outdoor) Air Quality
The Ho-Chunk Nation currently owns and operates two ambient air monitoring stations. One is located one mile southwest of Wyeville, WI, near the Blue Wing community. The other is adjacent to the new District 1 Community Center, near Black River Falls, WI. The focus of both stations is to monitor air quality near tribal communities, producing a baseline of particulate matter pollution data. A legally-defensible baseline of regulatory data can be used to prove the impact that a future pollution source may have on the environment near Ho-Chunk Nation communities. Each station has the capability of measuring both designated size varieties of particulate matter (PM). Both PM10 and PM2.5 are designated criteria pollutants that are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
To request any indoor air quality assessment, or for more information contact:
Matt Malimanek
Air Quality Specialist Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35054 matthew.malimanek@ho-chunk.com
Surface Water Quality
Division of Env. Health Surface Water Quality Program
The Nation has become increasingly concerned with surface water quality in recent years due to the increase in row crop agriculture,
cranberry cultivation, sand mining, large-scale pipeline and utility projects and overall shifts to more intensive land-uses within the
watersheds containing tribal lands and waters.
The DEH manages a surface water quality program that is 95% funded through grants from the Environmental
Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 106 Program. The program focuses on trust water resources that include approximately
19.0 miles of stream; 20.1 acres of ponds; and 1,100 acres of wetlands. The DEH currently monitors water quality of tribal streams
at (23) monitoring stations spread over (10) counties. Monitoring includes multiple parameters that are used to determine the overall
water quality of a waterway. These parameters include samples and measurements for water chemistry, habitat evaluation and the
assessment of fish and other biological populations. The program has also been working diligently to delineate, map and classify
wetland resources on tribal trust land. This information is valuable for future land-use planning so that these resources can be
protected and continue to be there providing for the tribal community. The program also implements and/or oversees projects that
will improve or protect water quality on tribal waters such as the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs); road culvert
replacements; storm-water management; wetland restoration and projects to improve in-stream habitat for trout.
Monitoring
Water Quality
Randy Poelma
Env. Sciences Program Manager Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Env. Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35061 Randy.Poelma@ho-chunk.com
Private Wells/Septic
Water Testing
The Division of Environmental Health provides water testing services available free of charge. If you are concerned about your private drinking water, contact us to schedule a site visit.Water and Sewer Emergencies
The Division of Environmental Health provides funding and expertise to resolve emergency situations related to your private well or septic system as quickly as possible. Some common emergency situations are:New Well and Septic Construction
The Division of Environmental Health provides funding for new well and septic installations through our Indian Health Services 121 Project. Every tribal member qualifies for one well and one septic system installation for their PRIMARY RESIDENCE. Contact us to discuss your project and determine if funding is available.Septic System Education
The Division of Environmental Health places a high priority on educating homeowners about their private septic system. Many homeowners are unaware of how these systems function and what they can do to prevent sewer emergencies from arising. Contact us to schedule a site visit to learn more about your septic system and how to care for it. Educational documents can also be found below.
Goal: The main goal of the Sanitary Facilities Coordinator is to provide assistance to Ho-Chunk Nation members in regards to water and wastewater issues. Our office will evaluate each situation, with a site visit when necessary, to provide assistance and knowledge to alleviate the situation. Funding may be available for unforeseen emergencies and will be evaluated on a case by case basis during the site visit. Educating homeowners is a high priority to prevent self-inflicted harm to their water and wastewater systems.
Things to look for or do to prevent/lessen emergencies:
Wells and water pressure system:
• Low water pressure
• Rapid clicking sound near pressure tank
o This usually means the pressure tank has failed. If caught early the pressure tank can be replaced and prevent the well pump from failing.
• Sand in water
Sewer and Septic Systems:
• Drains/toilets flushing slowly or gurgling sounds when draining
• Water backing up from lowest drain in home
• Water ponding near septic drain-field
• Washouts on septic mound drain-fields
• Don’t ignore or unplug your septic alarm. This is in place to notify you of problems and allow time for the problem to be corrected before an emergency occurs.
• Have a licensed septic pumping service pump your tanks at least every 3 years. This can allow problems to be caught early and be resolved to prevent emergencies.
EASY TIPS TO PREVENT SEPTIC SYSTEM ISSUES AND COSTLY REPAIRS.
What should go down your drain?
• Human waste and toilet paper. If this simple rule is followed, it is more than likely that funding will be available to alleviate your emergency.
What ABSOLUTLEY should NOT go down your drain? These are the most common issues seen during septic system evaluations and should be avoided.
• “FLUSHABLE” wipes!!!!!! (Paper Towels)
o These are the worst thing you can flush down your toilet. These WILL cause a problem with your septic system and are very easy to identify when they cause issues. I don’t know why these are allowed to be marketed as “flushable”, because they absolutely are NOT!
• Feminine Hygiene Products
o These belong in the trash.
• Excessive Grease/Oil
o Never dump grease or oil down your drains. Empty pots/pans into containers and dispose of in the trash. Grease and oil float in your septic tank causing the filter to plug, or worse, get into the drain-field causing failure.
• Excessive bleach/chemicals
o Bacteria in your septic tank are the first step to wastewater treatment and need to be allowed to grow.
More Information:
Septic System CareSeptic System Care Filter
Fat Free Sewers
Brock Burnstad
Sanitary Facilities Coordinator Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35063 Brock.Burnstad@ho-chunk.com
Invasive Species
The Nation is concerned with invasive species because of the impacts that these species have on tribal economy, human health, recreation, cultural practices and overall ecological health of tribal lands. These concerns prompted the DEH to request Bureau of Indian Affairs grant funding in 2011-2012 for the purpose of surveying and assessing the status of terrestrial invasive plants on tribal lands. The grant funding fostered the establishment of the DEH Invasive Species Program that continues to address invasive plants on tribal land.
The DEH has inventoried approximately 5,800 acres of tribal lands to date for the presence of terrestrial invasive plants listed under the Wisconsin NR-40 Invasive Species Rule. Individual plants and populations have been inventoried, quantified and mapped for incorporation into the tribal Geographic Information System (GIS). The data is then put through a matrix tool to prioritize species, populations and parcels for management since the invasive plant problem is widespread geographically and resources including staff and funding are limited. The DEH is actively managing invasive plant populations on tribal lands located in Clark, Shawano, Jackson and Sauk counties. Management focuses on eradication of invasive plants and the restoration of native plant communities in these areas. The DEH Invasive Species Program is 100% funded through grants or federal programs provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Before and After: Invasive Autumn Olive being treated by mowing and prescribed fire at the Sacred Earth parcel in Sauk County.
Randy Poelma
Env. Sciences Program Manager Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Env. Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35061 Randy.Poelma@ho-chunk.com
Community Water Systems
The Division of Environmental Health operates and maintains all of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Community Water Systems to ensure safe potable water sources for all its customers. This would include maintaining compliance with all applicable Federal and State Regulations. The Division of Environmental Health also manages the development of new community water infrastructure to serve existing and future Ho-Chunk Nation development.
QUALITY DRINKING WATER
FIRE PROTECTION
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
The Ho-Chunk Nation Utility Division provides safe and reliable drinking water to customers, programs and enterprises served by public water systems. We strive to accomplish this goal with a minimum number of service interruptions and customer complaints.
Water Service Application
- Residential Accounts
- Customer must submit a Water Service Application with the HPW Utilities Division.
- One time $25 connection fee required with application.
- Applies to any residential account with public water service, including HHCDA or Rental Management rentals, HOP recipients, fee simple homeowners, etc...
- Must agree to terms and collection enforcement policies.
- Not required to be enrolled Ho-Chunk tribal member.
- Per Cap Agreement is encouraged but not mandatory.
- Current charge is $25 per month, flat rate.
- Meters one-inch or smaller get tested every ten years.
Program and Commercial Billing Accounts
- Utility desires as much advance notice as possible for new construction accounts so that water supply can be estimated and accounted for. Service application still required.
- Program accounts are charged $25 per month, to reduce their operating costs.
- Commercial accounts are billed a rate of use charge based on amount of water used, in addition to a minimum base charge.
- Any water meters larger than one-inch in size must be purchased by the program or enterprise.
- Water meters two-inch or larger in size require more frequent testing, some as often as every two years. (This includes well monitoring meters.)
Cross Connection Control Program
Purpose: To reduce the risk of contamination or pollution of a public water system.- Mandated in the Safe Drinking Water Act and Wisconsin Administrative Codes.
- Water Utility is responsible for monitoring and enforcing, policy is written into the Water Utility Ordinance.
- Residential program is mostly public education, WI DNR requires all residences to be inspected every ten years.
- Commercial or industrial buildings require complete inspections every two years.
- Many “backflow prevention valves” in commercial buildings require state registration and annual testing. Utility responsible for monitoring and keeping test records.
Fire Protection
- Residents can contact Utility for information on hydrants and fire protection.
- Living in a community with public water system capable of fire protection will lower homeowner’s insurance premiums slightly.
- * Currently Mission/Sandpillow, Cex’ Ha Ci and Ho-Chunk Casino water systems are capable of fire protection.
- In the future Ho-Chunk Village may be connected to HC Casino water supply for fire protection.
- Utility responsible for testing fire flows from hydrants.
- Information is regularly provided to the Nation’s liability insurance company, state auditors at gaming facilities, and other agencies upon request.
WATER SYSTEM POPULATION NUMBERS
INFRASTRUCTURE STATISTICS – COMPARABLE
More Information:
Utilities Power Point
Staff and Points of Contact
Kevin Gunderson Environmental Sciences Program Manager Aaron Strandberg WI DNR Certified Operator David Forsting WI DNR Certified Operator
Car Seat Request
To request a car seat contact:
Lisa Herritz
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager Ho-Chunk Nation Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 ext. 35022 Lisa.herritz@ho-chunk.com
Mold Inspection
To request a mold inspection contact:
Matt Malimanek
Air Quality Specialist Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35054 matthew.malimanek@ho-chunk.com
Radon Inspection
To request a Radon inspection contact:
Matt Malimanek
Air Quality Specialist Ho-Chunk Nation Division of Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35054 matthew.malimanek@ho-chunk.com
Reports
Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) are required by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CCR must be prepared and distributed by all Community Water Systems in order to provide information concerning water quality for the previous monitoring year. The report identifies detected contaminants, compliance with drinking water rules, and educational language, and is based on information reported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
CCR Ho-Chunk Indian Heights 2022
CCR Ho-Chunk Mission Sand Pillow 2022
Household Hazardous Waste
The Division of Environmental Health provides technical assistance to Ho-Chunk members and facilities on the proper disposal of hazardous wastes and as funding is available organizes and holds Clean Sweep events.
Wastewater Systems
The Division of Environmental Health operates and maintains all of the Ho-Chunk Nation’s Wastewater Systems to ensure proper treatment and disposal of waste. This would include the maintaining compliance with all applicable Federal and State Regulations.
Injury Prevention
Among American Indians and Alaska Natives between the ages of 1 to 44 years old, injury remains the leading cause of death. AI/AN people continue to have disproportionately higher rates of unintentional injury and injury-related mortality. The Environmental Health Injury Prevention Program works to prevent unintentional injuries by partnering with federal, state, and tribal partners to develop key interventions and implement strategies to reduce injuries within our communities.
Survey - Coming Soon
Injury Prevention Programs:
Child passenger safety (Car Seat Program)Seat belt
Distracted driving
Bicycle safety
Fire safety (Head Start)
CO safety (Head Start)
Forms:
Car Seat Program Form - Coming SoonVirtual Education video check list
Educational materials for car seat distribution:
Wisconsin Child Passenger SafetyRear-Facing Car Seats
Front-Facing Car Seats
Booster Seats
The Safest Ride for Kids
Links to Educational Resources:
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsinhttps://childrenswi.org/childrens-and-the-community/families-and-clients/safety-center/car-seat-safety
Safe Kids Wisconsin
https://www.safekidswi.org/
National Highway Safety Transportation Association
https://www.nhtsa.gov/
Indian Health Service Injury Prevention
https://www.ihs.gov/injuryprevention/
National Fire Protection Association
https://www.nfpa.org/
Lisa Herritz
Public Health Emergency Preparedness Manager Ho-Chunk Nation Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 ext. 35022 Lisa.herritz@ho-chunk.com
ASBESTOS
What is it?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. It was used in building materials for its strength, fire retardant, and thermal insulator capabilities.Asbestos can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Asbestos is dangerous because it has the ability to break down into microscopically thin fibers. These fibers are so small they can remain airborne for days after they were initially disturbed. While airborne, individuals can breathe these fibers in. Since the fibers are so small, they can travel deep into a person’s lungs, where they may eventually lodge in the lung tissue.
If you think that you have asbestos in your home. Do NOT disturb the fibers. Asbestos containing materials do not pose a threat unless the fibers are disturbed and released into the air. Building demolitions, repairs, and renovations on old buildings are areas of a home owners concern. Do not dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. This will disturb the tiny asbestos fibers and may release them into the air and allow for inhalation.
Some Examples:
Pipe wrap insulationSpray insulation
Flooring materials
Caulk
Siding and roofing
Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings
Heat-resisted sheets/fabrics
Photo source: EPA
More information:
Information Brochure
EPA Asbestos
Asbestos abatement on the exterior siding of a warehouse.
Located on the MąąWakącąk "Sacred Earth" / Former Badger property.
If you would like your residential home tested, please contact.
Must reside within the state of Wisconsin and be a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Adam Meinerz
Environmental Specialist Ho-Chunk Nation Environmental Health N6520 Lumberjack Guy Rd Black River Falls, WI 715-284-9851 x35008 Adam.Meinerz@ho-chunk.com
Public Health
Purpose of Environmental Public Health Program:
Environmental Health is the branch of public health that focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters healthy and safe communities.
As a fundamental component of a comprehensive public health system, environmental health works to advance policies and programs to reduce chemical and other environmental exposures in air, water, soil and food to protect residents and provide communities with healthier environments.
Services:
Food Protection Inspections and Testing: Retail Food inspections routine and complaints as they are needed Casinos C-store Head Start Day Care Tribal Aging Unit Mass gathering and temporary food inspections Campground Hotel/motel Swimming pool Clinical facilities safety Food warehouse Foodborne/waterborne illness investigations
Registered Sanitarians:
Becoming a Registered Sanitarian confirms the individual possesses knowledge on a variety of environmental and public health issues and can properly take corrective action to protect human health. Registered sanitarians work in the public and private sectors. Many are employed by state and local government in regulatory programs such as food protection, hazardous substances, product safety, housing, institutional health and safety, radiation protection, recreational areas and waters, solid waste management, vector control, water quality, wastewater technology and management, hazardous waste management or industrial hygiene.
Environmental Health Community Resources
Rabies vaccine events Human Health Hazard evaluations Bed bug/pest identification Vector borne disease monitoring
Links to:
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) https://www.neha.org/ Wisconsin Environmental Health Association (WEHA) https://weha.net/ American Public Health Association (APHA) https://apha.org/ Indian Health Service Environmental Health (IHS EH) https://www.ihs.gov/dehs/ Public Health National Center for Innovation 10 essential Public Health Services https://phnci.org/national-frameworks/10-ephs Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Recall lists https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts Food Safety Fact sheets
If you think that you have received a foodborne illness from a Ho-Chunk Nation facility, please call a Registered Sanitarian staff member.
Contact information:
Pamela Thunder, RS 715-284-9851 ext. 35011 Pam.thunder@ho-chunk.com Steve Schwanebeck, RS 715-284-9851 ext. 35062 Steve.schwanebeck@ho-chunk.comReport Environmental Hazard/Brownfield